Changing your mind is not just a matter of food preferences, but a skill that has a huge impact on personal development and relationships with others. However, many of us avoid this process by clinging to old beliefs. Why does this happen? Because admitting that we may have been wrong or that we have been incomplete in our thinking often causes uncomfortable feelings.
Why does change of mind scare us?
Acknowledging a change of mind isn't just about changing food preferences—it's a skill closely related to personal growth and our relationships. But very often, this feeling blocks us, because admitting that we were wrong or were not right puts us in a vulnerable position. Our brain does not like this feeling.
When we stubbornly hold onto a thought, the part of the brain that deals with fear and survival is activated. Basically, the brain doesn't differentiate between a real threat (like a lion in the jungle) and a challenge to a belief. This causes us to fanatically defend our opinions, even when the facts show otherwise.
Being willing to change your mind doesn't make you weak—rather, it shows that you're open to growth. Cognitive flexibility, i.e. the ability to adapt thinking to new information, brings many benefits:
Increases creativity: Flexible thinking helps us see situations from new perspectives and find innovative solutions
Improves relationships: When we are less defensive and more open to different perspectives, connections with others deepen and conflicts decrease
Adds Resilience: Life is full of surprises and flexibility helps us deal with change without too much stress
How do we accept a change of mind?
Admitting that you may have been wrong isn't always easy, but there are some ways to make the process easier:
See mistakes as strength
Admitting a mistake is not weakness. On the contrary, it shows courage and a desire to learn. The next time you realize you made a mistake, don't look at it as a failure, but as an opportunity to learn something new.
Replace security with curiosity
When we approach the world with curiosity, we become more open to new information. Instead of focusing on being "correct", we try to understand more. Ask yourself: "What can I learn from this?"
It starts with small things
Changing your mind about deeply held beliefs can be scary. So start with something small, like going back to a food you once disliked. Small victories lay the groundwork for bigger changes.
Changing your mind isn't about denying who you once were—it's a way of honoring who you are now. We are all in the process of developing and this is something to be celebrated. The next time you're faced with a new idea, remember: Flexibility is a sign of strength, not weakness. Maybe it's time to try something you once rejected… who knows, maybe broccoli isn't as bad as you remember!
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